3Principles of
multiculturalism
(1)
Multiculturalism is founded on the following
principles (the principles of
multiculturalism):
(a)
the people of New South Wales are of different
linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds who, either individually
or in community with other members of their respective groups, are free to
profess, practise and maintain their own linguistic, religious, racial and
ethnic heritage,
(b)
all individuals in New South Wales, irrespective
of their linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds, should
demonstrate a unified commitment to Australia, its interests and future and
should recognise the importance of shared values governed by the rule of law
within a democratic framework,
(c)
all individuals in New South Wales should have
the greatest possible opportunity to contribute to, and participate in, all
aspects of public life in which they may legally
participate,
(d)
all individuals and institutions should respect
and make provision for the culture, language and religion of others within an
Australian legal and institutional framework where English is the common
language,
(e)
all individuals should have the greatest possible
opportunity to make use of and participate in relevant activities and
programmes provided or administered by the Government of New South
Wales,
(f)
all institutions of New South Wales should
recognise the linguistic and cultural assets in the population of New South
Wales as a valuable resource and promote this resource to maximise the
development of the State.
(2)
Parliament recognises that the principles of
multiculturalism are based on citizenship. The expression citizenship is not limited to formal
Australian citizenship, but refers to the rights and responsibilities of all
people in a multicultural society.
(3)
The principles of multiculturalism are the policy
of the State.
(4)
Accordingly, each public authority must observe
the principles of multiculturalism in conducting its
affairs.
(5)
It is the duty of the chief executive officer of
each public authority to implement the provisions of this section within the
area of his or her administration.
s 3: Am 2010 No 62,
Sch 1 [1].